PRESS RELEASE – Statement by the United Nations Country Team in Papua New Guinea

The asylum seekers on Manus Island are a vulnerable population that are accorded special protection under international human rights and refugee laws. PNG, as party to these international conventions and under its Constitution, is obliged to protect their rights including, the right to non-discrimination, life, access to justice and health services, and the right to be free from torture and inhuman treatment.

We urge the Government to carry out timely and effective investigations of the allegations of excessive use of force, torture and harassment of asylum seekers by officials, and to bring the relevant persons to justice if found guilty. We also urge the Government to ensure the speedy trial of the arrested individual ensuring he has the right to fair trial with adequate legal representation.